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Jets Land Big-Bodied WR and Elite LB in Round 1
New York Jets add top prospects at wide receiver and linebacker in 2026 NFL Mock Draft
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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In a 2026 NFL Mock Draft, the New York Jets are projected to select Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese with the 2nd overall pick and Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston with the 16th overall pick. Reese is an athletic and physical linebacker, while Boston is a big-bodied receiver who would complement the Jets' top wideout Garrett Wilson.
Why it matters
The Jets are looking to continue rebuilding their roster after trading away star players like Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams. Adding an elite linebacker and a big-play receiver would help address two of their biggest needs on offense and defense.
The details
Reese, a 20-year-old junior, had 6.5 sacks and 112 total tackles in his two seasons at Ohio State. At 6'4" and 243 pounds, he has the size and athleticism to be an impact player at the NFL level. Boston, a 22-year-old senior, caught 20 touchdowns in his final two seasons at Washington. At 6'4" and 209 pounds, he would provide a big target for the Jets' passing game.
- The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in late April.
The players
Arvell Reese
A 20-year-old linebacker from Ohio State who is projected to be a top-5 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Denzel Boston
A 22-year-old wide receiver from the University of Washington who is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Garrett Wilson
The New York Jets' top wide receiver, who the team will look to pair with another playmaker in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Sauce Gardner
A star cornerback for the New York Jets who was traded away at the 2025 trade deadline.
Quinnen Williams
A defensive lineman for the New York Jets who was traded away at the 2025 trade deadline.
What they’re saying
“The Jets hoped for one of Makai Lemon, Carnell Tate or Jordyn Tyson to fall here, but because they didn't, they'll be just fine with the next-best wideout on the board in Boston, a big-bodied talent who would complement Garrett Wilson well in the new Frank Reich-run offense.”
— Zack Rosenblatt, Jets beat writer (The Athletic)
What’s next
The Jets will look to continue building through the draft, as they hold four picks in the top 50 this year and four in the first two rounds in 2027.
The takeaway
The Jets are focused on adding playmakers on both offense and defense to complement their existing core. By selecting Reese and Boston in the first round, they would be addressing two of their biggest needs and setting themselves up for success in the 2026 season and beyond.
